Selbstbaugenossenschaft Berlin eG was established in 1984 during the International Building Exhibition (IBA) as a response to the need for community-driven, cooperative housing in Berlin’s city center. Its founding aim was to create manageable-scale residential buildings in which residents would have a direct stake, particularly benefiting families and fostering long-term stability.
The earliest projects reflected this ethos: users contributed significantly to the construction process, shaping both communal identity and their own homes. Over time, the cooperative expanded by acquiring existing properties and constructing new ones. Today, Selbstbaugenossenschaft Berlin eG owns 11 buildings comprising a total of 170 residential units. Its developments are primarily situated in central Berlin districts and are characterized by a strong focus on autonomy and community engagement.
A notable recent example is the IBeB project on the former Berlin flower market site. Developed in collaboration with architects, this mixed-use building provides residential and studio spaces, particularly supporting artists and creative professionals. Features include flexible layouts, communal areas, and barrier-free access. Approximately a quarter of the units are rented out at long-term, affordable rates managed by the cooperative, while the remainder are privately owned.
Other early projects, such as the LiMa Residence Court and the “Wohnregal” in Kreuzberg, adopted participatory construction approaches, allowing future residents to decide on internal layouts and undertake finishing work themselves. These models have had a lasting influence on Berlin’s housing landscape, emphasizing user participation and collaborative self-management.